Geographical variation in fin ray numbers in the New Zealand sand flounder Rhombosolea plebeia (richardson) |
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| Authors: | J A Colman |
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| Institution: | Fisheries Research Division , Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries , P.O. Box 19–062, Wellington , New Zealand |
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| Abstract: | The numbers of dorsal and anal fin rays were compared in samples of sand flounder Rhombosolea plebeia (Richardson) collected from different localities around the coasts of New Zealand. Fin ray numbers were highest on the west coast of the North Island, particularly in the South Taranaki Bight, and were lowest on the east and south coasts of the South Island. Within the areas studied five regions were recognised within which the mean numbers of fin rays were relatively constant, but between which the mean numbers of fin rays differed considerably. The significance of these differences is discussed. |
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| Keywords: | turbidity water clarity nephelometry |
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